Polishing machine



July 6,1926. 1,591,017v

W. E. COOK POLISHING MACHINE t Filed Jan. 17. 1924 55, elements.

Patented July 6, 192,6. j

IUNITED STATES l 1,591,017 iii'rsu'i4 oFFic-E. l

r WILLIAM E. COOK, ST. GEORGE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO PEERLESS INSULATEDWIRE AND CABLE COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, NfAY., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

POLISHING MACHINE.

Application inea January i7, 1924,. lsariaiup. 686,744.

My invention relates to polishing machines, and more particularly to arotary machine of this type in which they polishing members willautomatically adjust them# 5 selves to varying diametersy in the surfacebeing polished, while developing substantially uniform pressure,notwithstanding such adjustment.

A machine embodying' my invention is de- Signed more particularly forpolishing the outer surface of insulated wire, and is so constructedthat a plurality of groups or lunits of polishing elements may beemployed which will operate progressively upon every portion oftheentire length of wire, under substantially uniform conditions or ifdesired, under varying conditions' as to the pressure exerted upon thewire by the polishing elements of succeed- 2O ing groups or units.

Each of 4the polishing units is composed of a plurality of elementsgrouped and rotatable about a common axis, each of said elements beingcapable of movement toward and from this axis in developing the desiredpressure upon a wire passing through the machine with its axis insubstantial alinel ment with that of the-axis about which each group ofsaid-elements has movement.

i The movement of the variousv elements in adjusting themselves to awire is entirely automatic, and the elements are free to move toward"and from the axis of the wire, in a manner to accommodate themselves tovarying diameters in dierent portions of the wire,4 and yat the sametime revent likelihood ofthe abrasion of the sur ace of,

or a partial stripping of the covering from the insulating body about,ythe wire.

In a machine embodying my invention, the arrangement of the polishingelements of each group or unit is such that the surface of the wire Willbe polished by both a relative rotary and longitudinal movement .45 ofvthe polishing elements and thef'wire, they longitudinal movementresulting vfrom the axial traverse of the wire't-lirough the3ma;.

chine and in relation to said elements. -1 The isole support'` for thewire while passing .50` througlifthe machineisk the polishing elementsand erefore, it is apparent'that the arrangement, construction and.functioning of these elements? must' be, sucli` as to support the wirewhile itis beingl polishedby the Tofsecure the desired high capacity inthe machine, the construction and arrangement of parts must be such asto permit the operationof the machine at high speed, but withoutlikelihood of. twisting or distorting G0 the wire or disturbing theinsulation thereon. The highspeed at which the machine is operated isrelied upon, not only for s e-y curing the maximum` polishing actionwith the minimum of time, but for developing c5 that pressure requiredin the4 polishing operation* c In such a machine, the pressure developedmay be varied by va ing the speed of rotation of the polishing elements;lor by means of adjustments in the polishing elements themselves, lso asto vary the eect of centrifugal force upon said elementsinr developingthe polishing pressurei there-x through. 1

Since all of the polishing elements in their entirety are rotated athigh speed or have planetary .motion about an axis coincident with theaxis ofthe wire, andi/each element is capable. 'of pivotal -movement 80'about an axis parallel .with that axis, I so j' construct the machinethat the only move-A j ment of 'said polishing elements with `rela-vtion to the axis about which the elements in their entiret rotate, willbe this ivotal v535 movement, the supporting means orrthe elements,being held with sufficient rigidity to prevent an'y movement of theelements as a result of the distorting of this supporting means. 9

I so construct and combine the. polishing l elements of each group vorunit as to en" sure simultaneous uniforml movement of each, of theseelements toward and from the axis of rotation of the group, thusensuring the proper centering of the wire in relation". to the element-sin each group-or unit, and to adjoining groups or units orth'e simul'taneous separationof the polishing elements to acomm date these elementsto.- any yi'slightlyy enlarged or reduced vportion of the wire.4 l 1 YThe invention consists primarily inI ay polishing machine embodyingthereln a plurality of polishing elements, supports for said elementswhereby they are ouped about a' common axis, means 'Where -y lsaidsupports are rotated, and'. means operative upon -each element wherebyrotation of sald ico ment to have movement toward the axis of rotationof said supports; and in such other novel'features of construction andcombina- `tion `of parts as are hereinafter set forth and described, Aand more particularly pointed out' in the claims hereto appended.

Referring to the drawings Fig. 1 is aside view partly in elevation andpartly in section of a polishing machine embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2--2 of Fi 1, showing one of thepolishing units wit the elements separated;

Fig. 3 is a similar view showing the polishing elements positionednearer the axis about which they are grouped;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of one of the polishing units; Fig. 5 is a detailperspective view of one of the polishing elements; and

Fig. 6 is a similar View of another form of polishing element.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views. In theembodiment of my invention shown inthe drawings, 10 and 11 are endbearing housings for rotatable members 12 --and 13, one of which, as 12,carries a driving pulley 14 or other means bywhich the members 12 and 13are rotated.

Since the members 12 and 13, and the I parts carried thereby areydesigned to be rotated at high speed, from 1,000 to 1,500 R. P. M.,ball bearings are preferably prof vided for each of these members asshown at 15 in connection with the member 12.

Extending between the members 12 and 13 are shouldered tie yrods 16, 17and 18 secured in position with relation to said members by meansof thenuts 19.- These tie rods act as supports for a plurality of groups orunits of polishing elements arranged in parallel relation one with theyother so as to cause every portion of a wire passing through themachine to be progressively brought into the operative relation i witheach of the polishing elements of each of these units. e

The tie rods 16', 17 and 18-are arranged at equal d1stances from acommon center,

' which cen'tervis thefaxis'of rotation of the members12 and 13, and arespaced apart 120 in arc with relation to the rotary movement of saidrods.` This arrangement is equivalent to havingthe axis of each of theserods represent the point of an equi- Iate-ral triangle.v a f' Thedetailed construction of each of the polishing groups or units is thesame as that of the others, sovthat a descriptionv of but one unit isnecessary, it being understood that 'any desired number of such unitsmay be employed although heretofore, I

have used but six such units upon eachmachine.

Each of said units or groups, comprises three polishing elements 20, 21and 22, each axis about which the rods 16, 17 and l18 are rotated, thispolishing surface being of a width to bringv it into close juxtapositionto -the corresponding element of the adjoining group or unit. -Thepolishingsurface 23 is a substantially flat, smooth surface, which isrequired more particularly because different portions of thls face maybecome operative as determined byv the diameter of the wire beingpolished, or by variance in the diameter of different parts of a wire.

The surface 23 is of greater length than width, in part to provide forthis change in the relation of this surface to the wire, or differentwires, and in part to assist in maintaining the different elements intheir desired co-operating relation, although lother mean's'are alsoprovided for this purose. p Each e1ement20, 21 and 22 is provided with aweighted extension 24, one end of which "isconnected to itselement, andthe other end of whichl extends outwardly of the axis aboutwhich theods16, 17' and"18 are rotated, in a manner to cause this ,weightedextension to have movement as a result. of centrifugal action `developedby the rotation of the polishing unit in its entirety. Hence, while themachine is in operation, each element will have rotary movement aboutthe axis of the wire, and

movement toward this axis so as to bring the polishing A'surface 23thereof into engaging` relation with the wire and develop asubstantially uniform continuous pressure upon the surface of the wire.This presfsure, however, -will be a yieldable pressure to the extent'.thatthe element may receive movement counter to its movement under4the control of the extension 24,l as when an enlarged portion of thewire is encountered,

or towards the wire as a result of a' reduced with'a ring 27l so thatmovement of any element will, through this ring, control the quantity ofmovement of each of the other elements, or simultaneous movement oftheelements 20, 21 and 22 will act upon this ring in a mannerto'equalize the movement of, and the pressure developed by', each of theother elements.

It is sometimes desirable to cause all of the elements to act withgreater or less pressure upon the surface of the wire, yor

'to have the elements of succeeding units act with greater or lesspressure. To meet this condition, I so construct the weighted' tojmoveunder centrifugal forcewith relation to the other part of the extension,the two parts of the extension being secured together by means of a lockscrew 29 screw threaded in the extension 24 and passing through thevarious teeth 28. In this man- 'as a result of the hig ner there is nolikelihood of the accidental separation of the two arts of the extensionmachine operates In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 6, the heel25 is forked, and the dimensions of the extension 24 are such as toermit it to have a tight lit within the for s of this heel. Theextension 24 ,in this'form of the invention is provided with a sequenceof openings 304 through any of which the pivot 26 is adapted to pass sothat the length of the effective end of the extension may be varied to adesired extent when each'element 20, 21 or 22 is made in through theselection of the opening 30 through which the pivot is passed. This formof the invention may be utilized to vary the normal unbalanced conditionof the element with greater nicetythan the form of the invention shownin Figs. l to 5, since the adjustment of the extension 24 to shorten itslength will add weight to the portionof the element at the other side oftherod upon which it is mounted. This Yform of the invention can also bemore cheaply produced since little or no machine Work is required. l

.I have found by actual Aexperience. that one casting, the surface 23-wears Very rapidly,i notwithstanding that the surface upon which itoperates is a saturated fibrous material such as cottonbraid impregnatedspeed at which theV 'with Aasphalt-um lor other similar composition. TheSlight hollow thus formed in the surface 23 w1ll interfere with theproperl functioning of the machine. To correct vthis condition, I formthe surface 23 upon a hardened late 31 having astem 32 extendin withlnthe body of the elementand secure in position by means of a taperedl pin33. A tapered pln is used so asto ensurea tight fit between the plate 31and the body ofthe element which forms the backing for this plate.

The construction of each element 20, 21 and 22, apart from the extension24, is such that irrespective of the position which this g element mayassume, the weight'of the element will be so distributed as. to result.

ina substantially balanced condition, the weight of the extension beingrelied uponl for imparting the, desired movement of the surface 23toward and into engagement with the wire and the pressure with whichthis surface'operate's upon the wire.

To prevent bulging or flexure of the rods 16, 17 and 18, duetocentrifugal force 'while the machine is in operation, I pass these rodsthrough stay plates or rings 34 ar-v ranged at spaced distances alongthe rods. The polishing elements 20, 21 and-22 of each 4unit are mountedu on a shouldered bushing'35 upon the ro these bushings acting asspacers to accurately position adjacent units with relation to eachother and afford vthe proper clearance for the operation of thepolishing elements of each unit.

4The insulated wire being operated upon is indicated at- 36 in Figs. land 3 of the drawings;

The operation of the herein described polishing machine Iis.substantially as fol ows:- l

When the machine is at rest, -at leastY two of the extensions 24 willhave movement'to` ward the axis of rotation of the rods 16,

17 and 18, thus oscillating the various elements 20, 21 and 22 in amanner to sepllO arate the polishing surfaces 23 thereof.

This is due to the triangular arrangement' of the pivotsl18 causing twoof the weighted .portions 24a to act in opposition to the remainingweighted portions. The, ring 27 and pivots 26 will cause all oftheelements to have this movement, since with the triangular arrangement ofthe rods 16, 17 and 18', at least two of the extensions will ber actingto impart this movement, even though the. third extension-may be so po.

sit-ioned asnot to have this effect but rather a tendency to opposesu/ch a movement of the rlng.

lof the polishing elements,. clearance is af- "forded for `the passageof the insulating wire 36orotl1ermateria1'to be polished, throughthefspace between these surfaces,

v With the separation of thetsurfaces I the-end of this wire beingsecured to a rewind reel not shown in the drawings, but

and 18 and the'various polishing elements 20, i

21 and22 of each group or unit.4 The rotary movement of these rods will`cause the extensions 24 of each element of each group or unit vto moveoutwardly, thus forcing' the polishing surfaces 23 of each of theelements toward the axis about which the members A12and 13 rotate.. i

Since the elements of each group or unit are connected with a ring 27,the elements of each unit will have' similar simultaneous movement whichwill have the effect of ac'- curately centering the wire 36 withrelation to these elements.` The flat surface of thej polishing surfaces23 will permit these suraces. to have movement across the wirewhile thewire is being thus centered. Thereafter v the continued running 5f themachine will result in the weighted extensions 24 having a constanttendency to force the polishing surfaces 23 of the elements of eachgroup or unit toward each other, thus developing the desiredpolishingpressure of the surfaces 23 against the wire 36. This pressurewill .remain substantially constant and uniform so longv as the machinehas the same R. P. M. and irrespective of any slight changes in the fdiameter of the wire as to different portions thereof, which conditionis common in vinsulated wires. In fact while the polishing surfaces 23,when the machine is in operation, will automatically move into, andremain in engagement with the surface of the Wire, brother Vmaterialbeing polished, with the requisite pressure to give the desired finishtothe surface of this material, the polishing elements of each` unit arefree to move toward or away from each other to accommodate 'themselvesto Varying diameters of dif,- ferent portions of this material withoutany perceptible variation inthe pressure exerted bylthe surfaces 23.This flexibility, or yieldability, in the polishing mechanism will'avoid any likelihood of abrasion of the covering material of the Wireand will prevent all possibility o-f stripping the outer surfacematerial being finished, and yet subject the.

of the insulation, or of the covering therefor, fromthe wire. l

A plurality or sequence of polishing units are employed so as to permita fairly rapid rate in the traverse of the wire-36 or other wire to thepolishing -pressure for'a sufficient interval to. secure the desiredfinish. Fursure to the wire as it first enters the ma-.70

chine, with a progressive increase of this pressure, or a heavierinitial pressure with the progressive lightening of the pressure as thewire progresses through the machine.

The adjustability of the length of the extensions24 permits the machineto be set for any desired pressure conditions of the various units,'andalso the regulation of the pressure to accommodate thevmachine todifferent conditions of use.

The stayplates orl rings 34 arranged at spaced distances along the rods16, 17 and 18 will check any tendency of these rods to flex outwardlyasa result of the high speed of rotation of the members 12 and 13carrying, these rods, rigidity in these rods being.

required to ensure the desired uniform action of the polishingelementsof each unit.

The surface being polished is subjected to a rapid smoothing action byperfectly fiat surfaces, which has been found to give highly efficientresults. At all times there are three triangularly arranged points ofcontact between the wire and the polishing surfaces 23 of the elementsof each unit, which points of contact will serve to adequately supportthe wire or other material and hold it with sufficient stabilitytoensure the effective'rapplicationof the polishing pressure which,however, is not heavy. Y

vThe arrangement of the elements of each unit is such as to permit theescape of 'any fluff which may be .separated from the insulation of thewire, although with freshly coated wire, likelihood ofI the removing offineparticles from the surface thereof as au result of polishing, isreduced toa minimum.

The wire after leaving the machinewill v of the length of the/extensions24, the speed.

of. operationr of the machine will in a measure control the extent ofthis pressure, since the higher the speed, the greater will be theeffect of centrifugal force upony these extensions and therethrough uponthe polishingelements.

It is not my--intention` to limit the invention to the precisefdetailsof construction shown in the accompanying drawings, it being apparentthat such may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe inventio Having described the invention what I claim as new anddesire to have protected by Letters Patent, is

1. A polishi machine embodying therein a pluralityo polishing elements,each of said elements havin a substantially lat,

1o smooth, extended sur ace presented towards grouped about a commonaxis, means wherey .said supports are rotated, means operative upon eachelement whereby rotation of said supports at high lspeed will cause saidelement to have movement toward the axis of rotation of said supports,and means permitting adjustmento said last named lmeans whereby thepressure resulting from movevment thereof may be increased ordecreased).

' 3. A polishing machine embodying therein a plurality of polishing.elements, supports for said elements whereby they are ouped about acommon axis, means where y said supports are rotated, means operativeupon each element whereby rotation of said sup- 495' .or'ts at highspeed will cause said element to ave movement toward the axis ofrotation of said supports, and connections between said elementswhereby`they will all have similar, simultaneous movement.

4. A polishing machine embodying therein a plurality of polishingelements, supports for said elements whereby they are ouped about acommon axis, means lwhere yl said supports are rotated, meansoperative'upon each element whereby rotation of said supports at highispeed will cause said element to have movement toward the axis ofrotation of said su ports, means permitting adjustment of said lastnamed means whereby the pressure resulting from movement thereof may beincreased or decreased, and connections between said elements wherebythey will all havev similar,.simultaneous movement. s

5. A olishing machine embodying therein a p urality of supportssymmetrically grouped `abouta common axis, means whereby, said supportsare rotated, a plurality of polishin elements respectiyely pivotallyYmounte upon one of said supports, each of ouped l ope said elementshaving a substantially flat,

smooth, extended surface presented towardsv the axis of rotation of sa1delements, and a Weighted extension carried by and operative upon eachelement whereby rotation of said supports' at high speed will cause eachof said elements to have rotativemovement about its support, and cause aportion thereof to move toward -said supports.

6. A polishing machine embodying there.

in a plurality of supports symmetrically grouped about a common axis,means whereby said supports are rotated, a plurality of polishingelements respectively pivotally mounted 'upon one of said supports, eachof said elements having a substantially flat, smooth, extended surfacepresented towards the axis of rotation of said elements, a weightedextension carried by and operative upon each element whereby rotation ofsaid supports at high speed will cause each of said elementsv to haverotative movement about its support, and cause a portion thereof to movetoward the axisof rotation of said supports, and means whereby each ofsaid weighted extensions may be adjusted toward 'or from the support forthe element earn-ying it, to regulate the pressure develby said element.y 7. A olishing machine embodying'therein a p urality of supportssymmetrically grouped about a common. axis, means whereby said supportsare rotated, a plurality of" polishing elements respectively pvotallymounted upon one of said supports, la. weighted extension vcarried by'and operative upon each element whereby rotation of' said supports athigh speed will cause each of said elements to have rotative movementabout its support, and cause a portion thereof to move ltoward the axisof rotation of said supports, and connections between said elementswhereby they will all have similar, simultaneous movement about theirsup Orts.l

a plurality of supports symmetrically grouped about a common axis, meanswhereby said supports arerotated, a plurality of polishing elementsrespectively pivotally munted upon one of said supports, aweightedextension carried by and operative upon each element wherebrotation of said supportsat high speed -wi l cause each of said elementsto have rotative movement the axis of rotation of about its support, andcause a portion thereof to move toward the' axis of rotation of -saidsupports, means whereby each of said weighted extensions may be adjusted toward or from the support for the element-carrying it, toregulate the pressure developed by said' element, andconnections-between said elements whereby they will all have similarsimultaneous movement about their supports,

9. A polishing machine embodying there- 110 1 8. A polishing machineembodying t ereg ,Y

-polishing elements respectively pivotally.

mounted upon one of said supports, each of said polishing elementshaving a flat smooth extended polishing surface presented toward theaxis of rotation of said supports, and a weighted extension carried byand operative upon each element, whereby rotation of said supports athigh speed will cause each of said elements to have rotative movementabout its support and cause said flat extended polishing surface tomove' toward the axis of rotation of said support.

TO. A polishing machine embodying therein a -plurality of supportssymmetrically grouped about a common axis, means whereby said supportsare rotated,. a plurality of polishing elements respectively pivotallymounted upon one of said supports, each of said polishing elementshaving a flat smooth extended polishing surface presented toward theaxis of rotation of-said supports, al weighted extension carried byand'operative upon each element, whereby rotation of said connectionsbetween said ring and the heels supports at high speed will cause eachof said elementsy to have rotative movement about its support and causesaid flat extended polishing surface to move toward the axis of rotationof said support, and means whereby each of said weighted extensions maybe adjusted toward or from the support for the element carrying it, toregulate the pressure developed by said element.

11. A Apolishing machine embodying there- `in a plurality of supportssymmetrically grouped about a common axis, means whereby said supportsare rotated, a plurality of polishing elements respectively pivotally'mounted upon one of said supports, each of said polishing elementshaving a flat ex- 'tended polishing surface presented toward the vaxisof rotation of said supports, a weighted extension carried vby andoperative upon each element, whereby rotation of said supports at highspeed will cause each of said elements to have rotative movement aboutlts support and cause said flat extended polishing surface to movetowardthe axis of rotation of said support, eachof said elements having a heelextending radially of its support, a ring concentric with the axis ofrotation of said supports, and pivotal of said elements respectively,whereby said f elements are caused to have similar, simultaneousmovement.

v 12. A polishing machine embodyingtherein a plurality of supportssymmetrically grouped about a common axis, means whereby said supportsare rotated, a plurality of polishing elements respectively pivotallymounted upon one of said supports, each of said olishing elements havinga fiat' extende polishing surface presented toward the axis of rotationof said supports, a weighted extension carried by and operative uponeach element, whereby rotation of said supports at high speed ywillcause each of said elements, to have rotative movement about nectionsVbetween said ring and the heels ofv said elements respectively, wherebylsaid ele-` ments are causedto have similar, simultaneous movement.

13. A polishing machine embodying therein a plurality of supporting rodssymmetrically groupedabout a common axis, means whereby said rods arerotated, a plurality of polishing units arranged to act successivelyupon the material being polished each consisting of a plurality ofpolishing elements, each of said elements havin a substantially fiat,smooth, extended sur ace presented towards the axis of rotation of saidelements' respectively pivotally mountedn upon one of said rods, and aweighted extension carried byand operative upon each element, wherebyrotation of said rods about, ta common axis and at high speed, willcause each of said elements to have rotative movement about its rod, andcause a portion thereof to move toward the axis of rotation of. saidrods.

14. A polishing machine embodying therein a plurality of supporting rodssymmetrically grouped about a common ax1s, means whereby said rods arerotated, a plurality of polishing units each consisting of a pluralityof polishing elements respectively pivotally mounted upon one of saidrods, each of said polishing elements having a flat extended surfacepresented toward the axis of rotation of said rods, a weighted extensioncarried by and operative upon -each element, whereby rotation of'saidrods about a common axis and at high speed,. l

will cause each of said elements to have rotatlve movement about itsrod, and cause a v portion thereof to move toward the axis of rotationof said rods, means whereby each of said weighted extensions may beadjusted toward or from the rod upon which the element carrying it ismounted, to regulate the pressure developed by saidtelement, each lofsaid 'elements having a vheel extending radially of its rod, a ringconcentric with "the axis of rotation of said rods, and pivotalconnectlons` between said ring. and the heels isy ' therein a pluralityof `supporting rods symmetrically grouped about a common axis,

. means whereby said rods are rotated, a plurality of polishing unitseach consisting of a plurality of polishing elements respectivelypivotally mounted upon one of said rods, each of said polishing elementshaving a flat extended surface presented toward the axis of rotation ofsaid rods, a weighted extension carried by and operative upon eachelement, whereby rotation of said rods about a common axis and at highspeed, will cause each of said elements to have rotative movement aboutits rod, and cause a portion thereof to move toward the axis of-rotationof said rods, means whereby eachof said weighted extensions may beadjusted toward or from the rod upon which the element Acarrying it ismounted, to regulate the pressure developed by said element, each ofsaid elements having a heel extending radially of its rod, a ringconcentric with the axis of rotation of said rods, pivotal connectionsbetween said ring and the heels of said elements respectively, wherebysaid elements are caused to have similar, simultaneous movement, andstay plates reinforcin said rods intermediate the ends thereo andbetween some of said units, whereby lexure of said rods is prevented.

16. A polishing machine embodying therein oppositely disposed bearinghousings, members rotatably mounted in said housings, a plurality ofsupporting tie rods extending between said members and symmetricallygrouped about a common axis, means whereby said rods are, rotated, aplurality of polishing units each consisting of l a plurali-ty ofpolishing elements respectively pivotally mounted upon one df said rods,each of said polishing elements having a lat extended surface presentedtoward the axis of rotation of said rods, a weighted extension carriedby and operative upon each element, whereby rotation of said rods abouta common axis and at high speed, will cause each of said elements tohave rotative movement about its rod, and cause a portion thereof tomove toward the axis of rotation of said rods, means whereby eachl ofsaid weighted extensions may be adjusted toward or from the rod uponwhich the element carrying it is mounted, to regulate the pressuredeveloped by said element, each of said elements having a heel extendingradially of its rod, a ring concentric with the axis of rotation of saidrods,pivotal connections between saidring and the heels of said elementsrespectively, whereby said elements are caused to have similar, simultaneous movement, and'stay plates reinforcing said rods intermediate theends thereof and between some of said units, whereby flexure of saidrods is prevented.

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature this 9th day ofJanuary,

WILLIAM E. COOK.

